Will  Prince Charles Become Next King?

After his mother, Queen Elizabeth, died this afternoon, King Charles came to the throne.

Prince Charles has been crowned King. After his mother, Queen Elizabeth, died today at the age of 96, Charles came to the throne instantly, according to the British line of succession.

Just as Queen Elizabeth became queen upon the death of her father, King George VI, King Charles assumes the role of British monarch instantly.

Charles has taken on more responsibility in the last year on behalf of his ill mother.

In May, he presided over the opening of parliament for the first time, as well as the Easter Maundy Service, Remembrance Sunday, and Commonwealth Day Service.

Charles, like his mother, will have to decide on his regnal name. Elizabeth chose to use her given name, and Charles is likely to do the same.

In British history, King Charles was the longest-serving Prince of Wales. Because there is no automatic succession to the title, his heir apparent, Prince William, must be created Prince of Wales.

However, it is expected that Prince William will be crowned Prince of Wales and Kate Middleton will be crowned Princess of Wales, the title famously held by William's mother, Princess Diana.

Earlier this summer, while the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were visiting Cardiff, Wales for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, an admirer told Kate, "You're going to make a fantastic Princess of Wales,"

To which Kate replied, "That's very sweet. I'm in excellent hands," nodding to her husband.